Belted Ruffed Lemur

IUCN STATUS: Critically endangered

Varecia variegate subcincta

The largest of the Lemuridae family, belted ruffed lemurs are found in eastern Madagascar in lowland and mid-altitude rainforests. They are classified as Critically Endangered on the ICUN Red List. They have large vivid yellow eyes, with a striking white ruff that frames their face, giving them their name.

As a group they produce a chorus of deep, barking, alarm calls that can be heard for great distances. Belted ruffed lemurs use their long snout and tongue to reach nectar hidden deep inside flowers and they have become one of the largest pollinators in the world for the traveller’s tree, because pollen sticks to their fur which is carried to other trees as the lemurs feed.

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